What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-08-13 involved a Beech A36, registration N1795W, at Roanoke, VA.

Flight Path Deviation During ILS 33 Approach; Wreckage Found Northwest of Airport (N1795W)

On August 13, 1996, a Beech A36 (registration N1795W) was involved in an aviation accident near Roanoke, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedures, and his delayed missed approach, which resulted in an inflight collision with mountainous terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A flight deviated left of localizer and above glide slope throughout an ILS 33 approach, overflew the airport, then the pilot initiated a missed approach. Wreckage was later found 5 miles northwest at 2,600 feet elevation, with no mechanical malfunction identified.

Flight History

The flight was cleared for the ILS runway 33 approach and was approved a frequency change, which the pilot acknowledged. The pilot's last recorded transmission, which ended abruptly, stated intentions to execute the missed approach. At that time, radar data showed the flight about 5 miles northwest of the airport at an altitude of 2,700 feet.

Radar Data

Radar data revealed that the flight was left of the localizer course and above the glide slope throughout the entire approach. The flight then overflew the airport at 4,100 feet to the northwest with a continuous descent.

Wreckage Examination

The wreckage was located about 5 miles northwest of the airport at an approximate elevation of 2,600 feet. Examination of the wreckage did not disclose evidence of a mechanical malfunction with the airframe or engine.

Approach Procedure

According to the instrument approach plate for the ILS runway 33 approach, the missed approach point was located prior to the runway threshold at a decision height of 1,660 feet.

1996-08-13: Beech A36 (N1795W) — Roanoke, VA